Which sport helps you live the longest?
With the FIFA World Cup kicking off in the USA, tennis grand slams in full swing, and multiple finals across the sporting world, it's safe to say that June is an important month for sport.
But how important is sport for longevity?
A 2024 study examined 95,210 elite athletes across 44 sports, ranking each sport by its impact on the lifespan of those who played it.
They found that pole vaulting and gymnastics were linked to the highest extension in lifespan, with both sports adding over 8 years.
Racquet sports like tennis and badminton also ranked highly, while popular team sports like football (soccer), basketball, and American Football had a slight positive impact on lifespan.
Volleyball, sumo wrestling, and martial arts all decreased the lifespan of athletes.
Want to see where your sport ranked?
What does this mean for you?
It's important to note that the study was conducted on elite athletes, so the benefits (and negatives) for someone playing a sport for fun might not be quite as extreme.
That said, the majority of sports involve regular exercise, social interaction, and mental stimulation, all things that have been shown to increase lifespan.
So even if you're just playing for fun, participating in sport will improve your healthy lifespan.
